Dogs – 5 Steps To Showing

Five Simple Tips To Get Your Dog Ready For Dog Shows

Every truly avid dog owner wishes for the chance to show off his
pet at the nearest dog show. It is both a way to validate your
pride in owning your pet and a chance to see other beautiful
dogs in action. For the first timer, however, entering the world
of competitive dog shows can truly be a daunting experience.

Here are five simple tips to get your dog, and yourself, ready
for the limelight:

1) Know The Field – Everybody has to start somewhere and
entering dog shows requires that you know what to expect. Read
literature on dog shows. Go to dog shows as a spectator and see
what goes on. Get a good grasp of the jargon. Knowing the
difference between all-breed dog shows and specialty shows can
help a lot in determining what shows to join and how to get your
pet ready.

2) Know Your Dog – Knowledge of your pet is essential when
getting ready for a dog show. A little effort in researching
your dog’s breed and health history can pay off immensely.
Getting familiar with your dog’s quirks, habits and abilities is
also a great way to bond with them and paves the way to a
successful performance in the show ring.

3) Training, Lots of Training – Training for the show, for
yourself and your dog is very important. It is advisable that
you have the help of a trained handler when you’re starting out.
Training dogs also requires conditioning them physically so that
they are in tip-top shape when they participate in the show.
Remember, dog shows are like beauty pageants. A well-trained dog
is both pleasant to look at and be with.

4) A Visit To The Vet – Every dog needs a visit to the vet when
getting ready for a dog show. Having your pet inoculated is a
standard procedure to protect your dog, and other dogs, from
spreading diseases during the show. A check-up on your pet’s
physical condition would also help greatly in assuring that your
pride and joy is ready for the show.

5) Ask Questions – Learning is a continual process. Asking
questions from handlers and veterinarians on how you should
treat or handle your dog can open up insights on caring for it.

These five simple tips are just the beginning. Like they say,
experience is the best teacher, but with this advice you’re well
on your way to getting your dog ready for the show.